INFO-I 492 Senior Thesis
3 credits
- Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
- Delivery: Arranged
- Student’s name
- Project or thesis title and sub-title, if applicable
- Abstract description of project or thesis (200 words max.)
- Purpose/background
- Research question/hypothesis, if applicable
- Target audience
- Media /technologies, if applicable
- Timeline and budget, if applicable
- Methods and materials, if applicable
- Findings and discussion
- Conclusion
- Acknowledgments (advisors, colleagues, students, friends, etc.)
- Copies of your resume, if seeking employment
- Business cards
This course assists seniors in preparing a thesis under the direction of a faculty member. A thesis is typically a substantial multichapter paper based on well-planned research or a scholarly project. The faculty member works closely with the student in selecting the topic, conducting research, and writing and presenting the thesis.
Getting Started
Students will submit a capstone proposal to their intended faculty capstone advisor before the dates indicated on the form. Once the capstone advisor signs the proposal, the student will submit it to the Informatics academic advisor after completing the intent to graduate form.
Capstone Presentation
Is the capstone project presentation required for graduation?
Yes, it is in the very best interest of all students to finish their project, thesis, or internship at the appointed time and present their work at the capstone presentation event. Students will have a chance to have one-on-one contact with local industry representatives who may come to their presentation. All students who do not present their project, thesis, or internship at the scheduled time will receive a reduction in their final grade.
How will student progress be assessed?
Each student will turn in two progress report forms to their capstone advisor during the semester including the Project Timeline (Form 2) and the Progress Report (Form 3). The capstone advisor will evaluate their performance and quality of work to date at these benchmark times. The second progress report will determine whether a student is prepared to participate in the capstone presentation. Progress will be determined, in part, based on how well students follow the timeline they design at the beginning of the first semester. The Project Timeline (Form 2) will be due the fourth week of the first semester. There will be two Progress Reports (Form 3) due: one at the end of the first semester, and the other at the midpoint of the second semester.
When are capstone presentations scheduled?
Capstone presentations are scheduled during the last two weeks of the fall and spring semesters. Once the date is set, students should keep this entire day free on their calendars. Students will be required to set up their posters and any other media or materials. If students will be using a computer to demonstrate their capstone, they will need to test their presentations on specifically assigned computer(s) early in the day (time TBD). Presentations will begin in the afternoon and run into the evening (time TBD).
Where will the Capstone Presentations be Held?
The capstone presentations will be held throughout the IT building in labs, the larger lecture halls, and other venues as appropriate to specific projects. Room assignments and detailed arrangements will be given to students by their capstone advisors prior to the event. Attendees will receive a printed program describing student projects and their locations.
Who will attend the capstone event?
The capstone event will be open to the public, students, friends, family, and members of industry. We invite all Informatics freshman, sophomores, and juniors to this event, as well as a range of other students, faculty, and professionals from throughout the campus and the community.
What should students wear?
Students should look professional at the capstone event. Dress should be business casual at a minimum. We encourage students to consider wearing a suit especially since potential employers may be attending the event.
Capstone Deliverables
Poster Session
A graphic display on poster board will provide the following information:
Other Items to Consider